Mipcom: Relativity, Tandem to Produce ‘Act of Valor’ TV Series

Ryan Kavanaugh launches Relativity's first scripted series at Mipcom

CANNES — Relativity and Tandem Communications have teamed up to produce a TV series based on Relativity’s movie “Act of Valor” for National Geographic Channel in the U.S. It is Relativity’s first scripted series.

The series will be written by Erik Jendresen (“Band of Brothers”). Production is scheduled to begin in early 2014. Tandem (“The Pillars of the Earth,” “Crossing Lines”) will handle international distribution.

The series focuses on pararescuemen, who are tasked with recovery and medical treatment of personnel in humanitarian and combat environments.

Ryan Kavanaugh, CEO of Relativity, said: “Relativity’s unique model allows us to successfully transform a film such as ‘Act of Valor’ into a highly engaging television series. Through this process, networks are able to broadcast shows with built-in-audiences of viewers already invested in a story, while the studio monetizes our content in new ways.”

The movie “Act of Valor” opened number one at the U.S. box office with $24.5 million and went on to gross more than $80 million worldwide.

Kavanaugh will deliver a Media Mastermind Keynote on Oct. 8 at Mipcom.